Power chair and flying, ??s

[mykidsintow]

I am considering flying. It would be me and my 2 kids (6 and 8). Some direct flights from here to WDW are pretty cheap right now and I think it will cost less (and be oh so much faster) than driving. My 6 yr old uses a power chair for distance... this is where my questions come in.

I have always driven because of money and because I was terrified they would tear up her chair. I know her chair has a gel battery and does not have to be disassembled. I am not sure what else I need to know/find out/ask about with her chair and flying. Its a big heavy chair (300 lbs).

Also I am wondering about a carseat. My daughter is 6 yrs old but she is only 28 lbs. I know she can be transported in her chair. I am not so sure about comfort on the airplane. I am thinking she is smaller than many 2 yr olds as lap kids, so I can hold her. I would prefer not having to deal with 2 kids and our luggage and them harming her chair AND a carseat, IF we do decide to fly.

So I guess I am overall asking for tips/experience in flying with a power chair.

Thanks!

[Schmeck]

I would really recommend purchasing a seat for your daughter - others may say it's safe to have a lap child on a plane, but I've been on some pretty turbulent flights going to Orlando, and your daughter wouldn't have a chance if she wasn't buckled in when the plane hits an air pocket. Instead of bringing a carseat, you could get one of those harness things they sell for airplanes - my mind is drawing a blank as to the actual name, maybe someone else has a brain functioning better than mine right now?

Take photos of the wheelchair before you let them take it to stow away - take off everything loose and store it in a duffle bag. That will not count as baggage, it's a medical need. Bring the manual for the wheelchair to, in case you need to order a part, or reassemble something.

Also, have you considered not bringing the wheelchair, and having her use a stroller as a wheelchair for the trip?

[mykidsintow]

My daughter could not use a harness in a seat. I would purchase her a seat since she is over the age of 2, its required. However, her knees are 90 degrees and do not straighten. She could not sit in a seat and have the seatbelt on during flight. She can't physically sit like that. Thats why she would be in my lap, that isn't really a concern for me. I have held her on many flights before and she was about the same size she is now.

She can't use "typical" strollers. She would not go to Disney without her power chair. It would be like taking a typical kid and putting them in long leg casts, slapping them in a stroller and sending them off for the week. She wouldn't be happy about even going. She isn't a "baby" and won't use a "baby seat". Very independent and stubborn she is :)

Her chair will be going or we won't go..... I would drive first. A trip to walmart without her chair, sure.... but Disney World for a week? Oh my goodness what a disaster that would be.

Thanks for your suggestions :). I should have explained us a little better! :)

[SueM in MN]

I am considering flying. It would be me and my 2 kids (6 and 8). Some direct flights from here to WDW are pretty cheap right now and I think it will cost less (and be oh so much faster) than driving. My 6 yr old uses a power chair for distance... this is where my questions come in.

I have always driven because of money and because I was terrified they would tear up her chair. I know her chair has a gel battery and does not have to be disassembled. I am not sure what else I need to know/find out/ask about with her chair and flying. Its a big heavy chair (300 lbs).

Also I am wondering about a carseat. My daughter is 6 yrs old but she is only 28 lbs. I know she can be transported in her chair. I am not so sure about comfort on the airplane. I am thinking she is smaller than many 2 yr olds as lap kids, so I can hold her. I would prefer not having to deal with 2 kids and our luggage and them harming her chair AND a carseat, IF we do decide to fly.

So I guess I am overall asking for tips/experience in flying with a power chair.

Thanks!
For the car seat, would you be planning on using it on the plane or renting a wheelchair van once you are down??
And, does she normally get out of her wheelchair in the van or not?
I'm thinking that if she fits in the car seat, she might be more comfortable riding in it on the plane than being held.

I'm probably not a good one to ask about flying with the chair since we have not been brave enough to fly with DD's power wheelchair. But, she also would not have stamina to drive the power wheelchair all day, so I would be reaching over her to drive it anyway. And, she doesn't mind being pushed at WDW.
When we were thinking of doing it, the wheelchair tech basically gave us the same advice as Schmeck posted, take everything removable off. He also suggested we remove the joystick/electronics, pack it in bubble wrap and carry it on with us. My DD's electronics/joystick can be removed with one quick connector and 2 screws. As an alternate, he suggested wrapping it in bubble wrap and duct taping something solid, like a sturdy box, over the top of it.
My DD's power chair is kind of 'plain vanilla', in terms of not reclining or anything. The advice I have heard for chairs that do recline or raise is to have it stowed in the 'smallest' position (i.e. as straight as possible and as low as possible) when it is put on the plane.

[dclfun]

I just had my power chair broken by SW airlines. Someone decided to have fun with the control pad. When my chair was brought back to me up the runway it had the leg rests fully extended, the seat elevator all the way up, the tilt all the way back and the recline all the way forward, so basically the seat was smashed up against the back of the chair. By all their shenanigans they broke the seat elevator belt and disconnected the tilt, so I had to drive my chair with my knees in my chin for a day until they sent out a tech to my hotel to fix it. Then when they reclined the seat all the way they cracked my vent battery case which broke off the housing for the charger. That required a service call too. I've never had a problem though before this trip- but now I'll be nervous from here on out to fly with my chair and I have no other option either. I think you just have to take a chance. I had told the person bringing my chair into the plane what he could and could NOT touch, but he didn't listen. I heard horror stories from the tech who temporarily patched up my chair about all the damages from airlines. Why they would prefer to pay the extreme repair costs or pay to replace a custom w/c vs. just taking care with it is beyond me. At least this is a child's chair and as such should not need any adjustments to fit in the plane hold door. If there are any questions about that though, you could always call the airline in advance and ask for dimensions.---Kathy

[bidnow5]

I don't have a power chair but do have a scooter on one of our trips SW airlines broke the tiller but had a replacement brought to our hotel within an hour of our arrival they took mine for 3 days to fix it then met me at the hotel early in the morning to swap it went well but they did break it

[Nanajo1]

I just had my power chair broken by SW airlines. Someone decided to have fun with the control pad. When my chair was brought back to me up the runway it had the leg rests fully extended, the seat elevator all the way up, the tilt all the way back and the recline all the way forward, so basically the seat was smashed up against the back of the chair. By all their shenanigans they broke the seat elevator belt and disconnected the tilt, so I had to drive my chair with my knees in my chin for a day until they sent out a tech to my hotel to fix it. Then when they reclined the seat all the way they cracked my vent battery case which broke off the housing for the charger. That required a service call too. I've never had a problem though before this trip- but now I'll be nervous from here on out to fly with my chair and I have no other option either. I think you just have to take a chance. I had told the person bringing my chair into the plane what he could and could NOT touch, but he didn't listen. I heard horror stories from the tech who temporarily patched up my chair about all the damages from airlines. Why they would prefer to pay the extreme repair costs or pay to replace a custom w/c vs. just taking care with it is beyond me. At least this is a child's chair and as such should not need any adjustments to fit in the plane hold door. If there are any questions about that though, you could always call the airline in advance and ask for dimensions.---Kathy

I have been reluctant to take my power chair on the plane but I was considering it for this upcoming trip. Not now, I guess I'll bite the bullet and rent a power chair for the trip. Anyone ever rented a Power chair from Care Med or Buena Vista ?

[mykidsintow]

If rental were an option I would definitely go that route. However they don't rent power chairs for 28 lb kiddos.

We do have a non stop flight down and back. Our carrier is Delta. I am so very excited :). I am going to call and talk to them. Her chair isn't a "typical" small chair. Its a permobile playman robo. Its a very very expensive chair and its pretty large with hydrolics, etc. I will just have to see what they say. I am nervous mostly because I know IF they do break it... a local vendor will have to order parts and there is no replacement in the meantime. I will give someone a good talkin to..... What else can I do?

Ok..... decisions decision.... fly or drive, fly or drive....

[SueM in MN]

If rental were an option I would definitely go that route. However they don't rent power chairs for 28 lb kiddos.

We do have a non stop flight down and back. Our carrier is Delta. I am so very excited :). I am going to call and talk to them. Her chair isn't a "typical" small chair. Its a permobile playman robo. Its a very very expensive chair and its pretty large with hydrolics, etc. I will just have to see what they say. I am nervous mostly because I know IF they do break it... a local vendor will have to order parts and there is no replacement in the meantime. I will give someone a good talkin to..... What else can I do?

Ok..... decisions decision.... fly or drive, fly or drive....
They don't even rent power wheelchairs for 85 pound 5 feet tall kids who need 14 inch wide seats. Unless you have a very common power wheelchair with no special options, it's not possible to rent.

[Nanajo1]

It looks likle we'll be there at the same time!
Pixie dust to you.
Have a great trip.

[KPeveler]

I am renting a powerchair from Buena Vista when I am there next week - I will report back on it.

I am getting a Quantum Q600 chair with tilt, but it was not ready in time, and I probly would not have flown with it anyway. I can do ok with a rental, and i will switch to my manual on days when i need better seating needs....

i hope the rental works out for me, but it will still be too big, I am 5 ft 1, 120 lbs, and no one rents chairs even that small!

Honestly, driving may be easier, but either way, i hope it works out for you!

[Nanajo1]

I'm not small. So hopefully a rental will be okay. Please let us know how the rentl works out.

[maroo]

UGH...

I was SOOOOO hoping we would be able to fly next November! We were going to try SW.

Unfortunately, Lauren's chair has a tilt and an elevator and if they screw it up...it is really expensive. Not just the regular stuff...but the extra for the tilt and elevator. The elevator also makes her chair really tall.

:rolleyes:

Decisions, Decisions.

I guess we will drive it down and let her fly. She can't take the ride down there and then Disney. :sad2:

[mykidsintow]

If we fly I will definitely let you know how it goes. Julias chair has hydrolics that take the seat to the floor as well as elevates 8 inches so she can reach counter height, etc.

[Cheshire Figment]

Since the beginning of July I have taken two round trips on Delta to Los Angeles and back with my ECV. One had a change of planes in Atlanta, all other flights were non-stop. I had absolutely no problems on any of the five flights.

[goofieslonglostsis]

If rental were an option I would definitely go that route. However they don't rent power chairs for 28 lb kiddos.

We do have a non stop flight down and back. Our carrier is Delta. I am so very excited :). I am going to call and talk to them. Her chair isn't a "typical" small chair. Its a permobile playman robo. Its a very very expensive chair and its pretty large with hydrolics, etc. I will just have to see what they say. I am nervous mostly because I know IF they do break it... a local vendor will have to order parts and there is no replacement in the meantime. I will give someone a good talkin to..... What else can I do?

Ok..... decisions decision.... fly or drive, fly or drive....

There are dealers around Orlando that are known with Permobil chairs. Forgot the name of the company NWA sent down back in 2007, but Permobil USA should be able to supply you with company names.

What you should do?
- remove ALL parts that you possibly can and carry it on
- turn off the power, but DO NOT leave it at that. Many permobils have the option of removing your joystick. If so; do so! I've had airport staff joyriding my chair eventhough I handed the chair in with the power off. :mad::headache:
- make the chair as little as possible, prefferable a one shape thing with nothing sticking out
- wrap parts that are more prown to damage in extra protection to prevent damage
- make a 'how to handle' manual. Make it EASY! Very few words, some pics. Laminate it and tie wrap it to the chair so it's easy to spot for airport staff. This might prevent somebody from 'thinking for themselves'. I tend to have pics on there to prove the chair is in freewheel (and how they can reset that, if it should shift) and the power -read battery- is disconnected.
- pray
- have a good sense of humor
- have tools with you so you can fix minor stuff, things being pushed out of place etc.
- have a back up plan


Check the size of the loading doors with Delta. If I remember correctly, Delta is a bit of a pain on this department, but it is very much worth a shot. When supplied with the sizes you might run into, you'll now how much you'll need to reduce the chairs size to secure they will not tilt the chair while loading. The tilting is seriously increasing risk of damage so you'll want to avoid that. They'll be able to look up the type and config. of the airplane that's scheduled for your flight and with that the size info. I always go with the smallest size given (most of the times not even type of plane I fly), lower that with at least 2 inches and work with those sizes.


And most important of all; never ever, I repeat; ever fly using my name. Don't ask me why or how, but I've got a BAD rep for chair damages and/or losses. Last 3 roundtrip flights; 4 times (yes, one roundtrip had damage done on both inbound and outbound flight) damage to powerchair, twice minor damage to manual chair and once an unloaded manual chair which took them 3 days to get it back to me. I must be nuts that I'm still planning a next trip. :rotfl2::rotfl:

Having my own experience, seen multiple airports and many types of aids and chairs flying, I'm convinced AMS airport is a disaster for wanting to get your chair back in the same state as you checked it in -too bad it's my home airport-. Also; the more complex the chair, the more risk of damage. Complex tends to come with "we are not used to this". Not used to tends to come with more problems. Basic 13-in-a-dozen manual chair, ECV, powerchair; not a problem. The more you go beyond that, the more it seems the risk of something happening increases.


Oh and a last tip; keep telling everybody how much the chair costs. Somehow the respect for my chairs always grew exponential after hearing it was a $45.000,- powerchair and a $12.000,- manual chair they are handling. Money talks, apparently. :rolleyes1

[mykidsintow]

Thanks SOO much for the tips! Her chair size can't be reduced. The largest part on it is the base. I can fold the seat down, but it doesn't tilt it just elevates or goes to the floor (which makes it much longer). Its basically as compact as it goes, as is.

I will call Delta and discuss her chair with them. I havent' done that yet. I will right after I call Disney and add our flight info AND call to make my dining ressies. Lots of calls ;). We DID decide to fly...... Good lord willing she will have a working power chair upon arrival. Coming home I am not so worried about. I just know she would be MISERABLE there without her chair...

We have ordered a new push chair.... Its not in. However, I am debating taking a small stroller (and her have a total FIT over it) vs. borrowing a small push chair from my vendor to take along. I am thinking transport from checkin to the gate.... I can't carry her that far along with carry on luggage, etc etc. No way, no how.

I will be sure to tell Delta and anyone else that listens that her chair was 38K..... They can replace it.... Maybe they will total the darn thing.... I like the new model that just came out much better ;). However, they can't do that til on the way HOME!!! :). "Please drop her chair... and make sure it smashes into a million pieces IF you decide to hurt it, thankyouverymuch"

[SueM in MN]

I will be sure to tell Delta and anyone else that listens that her chair was 38K..... They can replace it.... Maybe they will total the darn thing.... I like the new model that just came out much better ;). However, they can't do that til on the way HOME!!! :). "Please drop her chair... and make sure it smashes into a million pieces IF you decide to hurt it, thankyouverymuch"
That makes me laugh because DD's Dynavox (a computerized communication device) was stolen once while on an outing from school. The Dynavox in its case was pretty large, so the staff had left it in the hallway of the apartment building they were visiting while they got DD's wheelchair loaded onto the bus. When they came back, it was gone. They put up fliers and notices explaining what it was and how to contact the school.
I called the insurance company and they said if it did not turn up in 2 weeks, they would replace it (with the newer model which had come out). I was looking forward to a new one.
Then, on day 13, the Dynavox showed up. The explanation given by the 'finder' was that it was in the hallway and they took it because they didn't want someone to take it. My thought was that it took the 'finder' 13 days to figure out that it really had no value or use unless you could not talk.

[mrsksomeday]

We have flown SouthWest 5 round trips to WDW since Feb. 2006 with Bill's Quickie P222. We only have had one nut come off in 10 trips and they found a nut to replace it at the airport. They have always treated the chair with respect.

In August Bill got a Permobil C350 with Tilt, we have been debating whether to take it or not. The tilt feature had really helped with his muscle cramps but we can't make the chair smaller so we aren't sure. I am calling SouthWest this week to see the demensions of the cargo hold door etc.

[goofieslonglostsis]

That makes me laugh because DD's Dynavox (a computerized communication device) was stolen once while on an outing from school. The Dynavox in its case was pretty large, so the staff had left it in the hallway of the apartment building they were visiting while they got DD's wheelchair loaded onto the bus. When they came back, it was gone. They put up fliers and notices explaining what it was and how to contact the school.
I called the insurance company and they said if it did not turn up in 2 weeks, they would replace it (with the newer model which had come out). I was looking forward to a new one.
Then, on day 13, the Dynavox showed up. The explanation given by the 'finder' was that it was in the hallway and they took it because they didn't want someone to take it. My thought was that it took the 'finder' 13 days to figure out that it really had no value or use unless you could not talk.

Darn, just missed that new version. :headache:


We have flown SouthWest 5 round trips to WDW since Feb. 2006 with Bill's Quickie P222. We only have had one nut come off in 10 trips and they found a nut to replace it at the airport. They have always treated the chair with respect.

In August Bill got a Permobil C350 with Tilt, we have been debating whether to take it or not. The tilt feature had really helped with his muscle cramps but we can't make the chair smaller so we aren't sure. I am calling SouthWest this week to see the demensions of the cargo hold door etc.

Talk to your dealer or better; Permobil. Each and every Permobil can be reduced in size. It depends on the backrest on the chair as to how it can be done. The easiest system is the KB backrests, with those you can simply 'fold' the back into one piece that covers the airmrests making it a solid square package.

Other backrests can be disconnected to drastically reduce size. Tends to only take a couple of screws loosening and thightening. It is some work, but handing them a full size adult Permobil will mean they'll tilt it to it's side to be able to load it.

Permobil tends to have -or at least the EU branches- some good info on how to fly in the safest way for each chair with it's individual options. The chairs options like tilting, rising etc. are pretty well hidden on Permobil chairs. I've had all kinds of damage done, including unlikely ones, but these functions have always survived! ;)

Oh, and keep an eye out for your power cords (is that what you call them in english? It's the black 'rope' that is used to supply everything with power). Make sure no one sticks out on a possible 'sharper' corner. Scraping this along the planes side can damage the surroundings around the electronic wires within the cord. And as I've since learned; after about 12 days of WDW and a very occational rain shower, mine gave up. Couldn't handle the damage done to it any longer. Dead chairs are a pain. ;)

[jneen]

Unless you absolutely have to have the power chair, I'd leave it at home. Does she have a manual chair?

We flew twice with my husband's power chair both times were a nightmare. The last time was to Alaska. My husband had a brand new chair with all the bells and whistles. The airline (not sure which as we had to change planes) did some major damage to his chair. Evidently it wouldn't fit through the cargo door so they attempted to take it apart.

When we arrived in Anchorage (exhausted, of course) he was left sitting in an aisle chair for over an hour. An aisle chair is a very narrow thing they strap handicapped people in to move them on and off the plane. When they finally brought the chair they had no explanation for what had happened to it. The seat was barely attached and they had thrown a switch underneath it somewhere that disabled the chair. Bottom line: They paid for the repairs that ended up being done after we returned home but I don't think we'll ever take his power chair again.

I had attached a large sign with all needed info and to please contact us before attempting to remove batteries, etc. The person from Delta was nasty and uncooperative until I threatened to get a representative. (I forget the exact name they are called) He kept saying they had to remove the batteries. Um, no. Gel batteries, no need. I had reasearched everything on the 'net and called the airline multiple times to try to get everything I could think of settled, all to no avail.

I hate to be Debbie Downer but I'd drive there if it's at all possible.

[Janell]

If you run into problems or just want to rent a chair. We have used Walker Mobility twice now. We were renting ECV, so Im not sure what else they have. But they are wonderful. My back gave out on me on our last trip, we called them at 9:00am and they had an ECV at our Disney hotel by 11:00am. Can't say enough good things about them.

[mykidsintow]

Thanks again for all the responses. We are flying, we are taking the chair. If they ruin it they can buy a new one. My very independent 6 yr old won't be without it in a situation such as Disney. A push chair isn't an option (since we ordered it in march and we don't have it yet, but at Disney she wouldn't be restricted with mom pushing her anyway). She refuses strollers... she "isn't a baby".... Huge deal for her being 6 yrs old and 28 lbs. Clearly we don't treat her as a baby, no high chairs, no stroller unless we are forced, etc.

So, I have decided to take the chair. I talked to permobile today. Her chair size can't be reduced. They said it should fit fine, I talked to Delta yesterday. Its a straight through flight I don't see what they could possibly do. I told the delta rep on the phone (who put notes in our plans) that it was a 38K chair.... if they break it on the way down it will ruin my daughters vacation. If they want to ruin it on the way back thats fine I just want it totaled since there is a newer version I would LOVE for them to replace it with. She laughed and said they hoped not to do that.

Renting a power chair for a 28 lb child isn't an option.... it doesn't have proper support or seating. Here is a pic of my daughter at Disney last trip :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/_kulali_/IMG_0043.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/_kulali_/IMG_0277.jpg

[goofieslonglostsis]

From the pics it looks like she's pretty smallish. Think her chair comes to about the same height as mine around the seating does -mine is built up higher due to some extra stuff underneath the seat, and of course adult size-. If that is true, it should be an OK fit even on the smaller types like 737's etc.

Agree with her about not being a baby ;) and she'ld probably wants to be independent at WDW even more than at home.

If she wants to get her chair even more into Disney style; you can remove the top part of the joystick very easily. Get any antenna topper she loves (there are some lovely princess styles out there at the moment!) and it fits on there instead of the plain black one she normally uses. Not all toppers are great when it comes to how it feels in the hand, but there are some great options out there. Very cheap and great fun.

[thop529]

I have only flown with SWA. The very first time I ever flew once we landed in Orlando the staff came to me and said there was a wire loose from my powerchair. They took me to baggage claim and brought me my chair. The entire back of my chair was gone. Wires were hanging everywhere. They called a Tech and he brought me a new chair to use during my stay.

I received my chair one week later 1 hour before leaving my resort. The chair I had was ok, but it wasn't mine and those of us who use powerchairs know that your own chair is a part of you.

SWA compensated me very well for their mistake.

I haven't had any other problems since that first time. I do now have a new powerchair and the joysitck is removeable. This will be a carryon on my next flight.

All SWA employees were very nice to me that day, and I will fly with them every chance I get.

[mykidsintow]

Thanks for even more feedback. I think I will take her joystick with me on the plane. I think its just a plug and screw then it comes off. They can drive it with the parental controls. I don't mind if they rip them off since I want them removed anyway. I think they are more dangerous than help. If the button gets hit for the parental controls to override her joystick and I don't realize it... she will unbuckle, turn around and stand in her seat to push it. EEeeeep! Next trip to the shop they are removing them anyway.

The antenna cover sounds very cool! Where do you buy them? She would love it!!! That reminds me I need to make a new cover. Her seat and arm rests are black leather. I sewed a towel before to cover it in the Florida sun/heat. I should probably make a new one before this trip since hers is shot.

I just can't imagine leaving her chair home for my benefit. You are correct she is VERY independent and she would be very upset not having that independence at Disney much more so than at home. Thanks guys! :)

[goofieslonglostsis]

Thanks for even more feedback. I think I will take her joystick with me on the plane. I think its just a plug and screw then it comes off.

Yep, it's very easy to take the joystick off. Looking at the pics, she has the same as I do. It's simply turning the screw and disconnecting the wire plug at the back of the joystick and you're done. :thumbsup2

They can drive it with the parental controls. I don't mind if they rip them off since I want them removed anyway. I think they are more dangerous than help. If the button gets hit for the parental controls to override her joystick and I don't realize it... she will unbuckle, turn around and stand in her seat to push it. EEeeeep! Next trip to the shop they are removing them anyway.

Are you sure you want them to drive the chair any way what so ever? Giving them driving power means more chance of an accidental running into something. Don't know about US airports, but have seen idiotic airport employees joy-riding powerchair at other airports at the world. :headache: As you know yourself, it can be tricky to drive these things if you're not used to them. Personally, I always totally take away their options for driving. Disconnect the joystick and take it along as carry on. Power off, put the chair in freewheel et voilà. Because of the freewheel they can push the chair easily but no way they'll be able to drive it off.

The antenna cover sounds very cool! Where do you buy them? She would love it!!!

At our beloved WDW -or disneyshopping.com-, of course! Just about any giftstore has antennatoppers. I've seen dozens of different options. I'll try and find a pic of Animal so you can have an idea. She can go wild with it. To give you an idea; for Pirate Night at our recent DCL cruise, we gave Animal his own pirate outfit. :rolleyes1

That reminds me I need to make a new cover. Her seat and arm rests are black leather. I sewed a towel before to cover it in the Florida sun/heat. I should probably make a new one before this trip since hers is shot.

Ouch, leather. Good thinking about the covers! Mine isn't leather but is black. Surprisingly had little problem with it, thanks to it being cotton and absorbing and soft.

I just can't imagine leaving her chair home for my benefit. You are correct she is VERY independent and she would be very upset not having that independence at Disney much more so than at home. Thanks guys! :)

And just think about your time at WDW. Running around trying to catch up with her. :lmao:

[maroo]

Your daughter is beautiful!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

I think you guys will be fine. Her chair seems to be pretty long and shorter than some and that will help you guys.

Have a great trip!! Let us know how it goes! :thumbsup2

[mykidsintow]

And just think about your time at WDW. Running around trying to catch up with her. :lmao:


I SOOOOO wouldn't have it any other way! :) She usually follows behind me unless she sees something and well then she is off. Typically she is very very good about staying right with me and telling me what she wants to go look at, etc. This will be her 4th trip with her power chair. Before that we went once with a push chair and even then at almost 3 yrs.... she was irked not to have her power chair. At 6?! I can't imagine it.

Thanks again! :)

[goofieslonglostsis]

Ah found one. Don't mind the chair, it was still in it's horrible doesn't-fit-me-state-and-ugly-not-done-look. Look at Animal just looking his normal freaky way. (regret not having a pic of when we did him up as a pirate for Pirate Night on our cruise ;) )

http://www.mijnalbum.nl/Foto-KAN8PK6D.jpg

[mykidsintow]

Aww thats so cute! She would LOVE a princess one!!!

[goofieslonglostsis]

In september I notice a new one, shaped like the carriage. Was a bit doubtfull if the wheels might get in the way so was afraid to try it myself, but it is adorable for girls. And of course there is a cutesy pink one with a tiara on it saying "Princess". Besides that, a lot of Disney caracters. You might want to be prepared for her wanting more than one. ;) (they're $4.95 before tax if I remember correctly)

[mykidsintow]

In september I notice a new one, shaped like the carriage. Was a bit doubtfull if the wheels might get in the way so was afraid to try it myself, but it is adorable for girls. And of course there is a cutesy pink one with a tiara on it saying "Princess". Besides that, a lot of Disney caracters. You might want to be prepared for her wanting more than one. ;) (they're $4.95 before tax if I remember correctly)


She will love it! I don't think the wheels would get in the way with her. She drives in ways I could never imagine. The other day we were in a parade and she was throwing candy. She was driving with her elbow so her hand was still free. She is amazing :)

[goofieslonglostsis]

She will love it! I don't think the wheels would get in the way with her. She drives in ways I could never imagine. The other day we were in a parade and she was throwing candy. She was driving with her elbow so her hand was still free. She is amazing :)

Grin, sounds like we'll be seeing a carriage on her chair soon enough. She has the additude and look for it, now she'll finally get the carriage to fit it. :laughing:

[SueM in MN]

Yep, it's very easy to take the joystick off. Looking at the pics, she has the same as I do. It's simply turning the screw and disconnecting the wire plug at the back of the joystick and you're done. :thumbsup2
That's how the joystick/controller on my DD's is too. There is a quick connect plug near the back and then 2 screws to hold the electronic part with the joystick onto the armrest.
Bring some bubble wrap to wrap the controller in and bring it on as a carry on. I would also have extra bubble wrap and some tape to cover anything that might get caught (like any hanging wires).
Are you sure you want them to drive the chair any way what so ever? Giving them driving power means more chance of an accidental running into something. Don't know about US airports, but have seen idiotic airport employees joy-riding powerchair at other airports at the world. :headache: As you know yourself, it can be tricky to drive these things if you're not used to them. Personally, I always totally take away their options for driving. Disconnect the joystick and take it along as carry on. Power off, put the chair in freewheel et voilà. Because of the freewheel they can push the chair easily but no way they'll be able to drive it off.
I find driving DD's power wheelchair with the parental control to be much more difficult (and I am VERY good at driving hers with either hand with the regular joystick). The parental control, being smaller, will move more drastically with just a small movement of the joystick.
Also, if yours also controls the lift and recline (or whatever else you have), you definately don't want them fooling with that. If you can get it removed before you leave, you may want to. I know my DD's parental control is also a quick connect and a screw, so you may be able to take yours off with little trouble.
At our beloved WDW -or disneyshopping.com-, of course! Just about any giftstore has antennatoppers. I've seen dozens of different options.
You won't have trouble finding them - we just got back and they are in all the gift shops. Some are better for driving than others, depending on what sort of decorations they have and how your DD holds her hand on the joystick. We got some for the back post of DD's headrest. She uses a goalpost joystick or we would have gotten some of the antanna things for her joystick.
Ouch, leather. Good thinking about the covers! Mine isn't leather but is black. Surprisingly had little problem with it, thanks to it being cotton and absorbing and soft.
Oh, yeah, leather will be hot.

One other thing we got that was a big hit was some solar powered Halloween lights that we attached to DD's wheelchair with electrical tape (put on after we got to WDW and removed before coming back on the plane). We were able to position the solar charger part behind her wheelchair so it was out of the way, but still got sun. That was a big hit.
I found them in Target in the Halloween decorations in purple and orange. They also had red, green, white and yellow ones in the Christmas decorations.

[mykidsintow]

One other thing we got that was a big hit was some solar powered Halloween lights that we attached to DD's wheelchair with electrical tape (put on after we got to WDW and removed before coming back on the plane). We were able to position the solar charger part behind her wheelchair so it was out of the way, but still got sun. That was a big hit.
I found them in Target in the Halloween decorations in purple and orange. They also had red, green, white and yellow ones in the Christmas decorations.


:banana::banana::banana::banana: She will LOVE lights!!!

Awesome! :) We will be there during Christmas decorations! Must get lights :)

[SueM in MN]

:banana::banana::banana::banana: She will LOVE lights!!!

Awesome! :) We will be there during Christmas decorations! Must get lights :)
My other hint would be to get 2 sets if you can figure places to put the charger part. There are about 18 lights on a 7 foot part of the cord and then there is about 7 extra feet without lights. The lights would have been prettier if we had 2 sets and the charger part was on one side of her wheelchair - the second charger could have gone on the other side.
I'm off to Target on Sunday to see if they clearance the purple lights.